A recent storm in Burundi severely damaged the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa, injuring 13 students and compromising the school’s structural integrity. As the only secondary school in Rubirizi, it plays a critical role in providing education to the local community. Immediate and long-term recovery efforts are essential to restore educational continuity and infrastructure.
A recent storm in Burundi has caused significant destruction to the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa, the only secondary school in the Rubirizi region. Founded in 2022 by The United Methodist Church, the school serves approximately 21,000 residents. Severe winds and rain on October 30 resulted in extensive damage, including the loss of roofs and structural integrity in multiple school buildings. Thirteen students required hospitalization due to injuries sustained during the storm, although their conditions have since improved.
The headmaster, Désiré Nirera, reported that the extent of the damages is staggering, with all roofs blown away and walls collapsed in five classrooms. Classes are currently being held in alternative locations such as the teachers’ lounge and the church. The school is committed to covering medical costs for injured students, despite limited resources. The district superintendent, Rev. Valentine Cimpaye, emphasized the critical importance of the school to the community, noting that the repair costs are estimated at around $163,000 USD. Distraught parents and students voiced concerns about the impact of the disaster on education, particularly for girls due to the lack of menstrual management facilities.
Urgent immediate needs include work benches, textbooks, and temporary structures for classes while repairs are underway. Long-term reconstruction will require significant building materials. To mitigate future risks, the church is initiating efforts to plant trees and manage rainwater around the school. Other local infrastructure also suffered damage, with calls for assistance being made to local authorities and church partners to support recovery efforts. Fortunately, no fatalities occurred, signaling a moment of gratitude amidst the devastation.
The Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa is a technical school founded by The United Methodist Church in the Burundi Conference. It is strategically located in Rubirizi, approximately 13 kilometers from Bujumbura, serving a critical need for secondary education in a region that lacks any other secondary institutions. The storm that struck on October 30, bringing heavy rains and violent winds, has emphasized the vulnerability of the region’s infrastructure and the adverse effects on educational continuity for local students. Past efforts to enhance educational opportunities in the area reflect the church’s commitment to community support, which has now been challenged by unexpected climatic disasters. The destruction of school facilities has raised alarms about the long-term implications for student progression, especially in the aftermath of such trauma, highlighting the need for urgent intervention and support from various sectors.
In summary, the storm’s impact on the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa has raised significant concerns regarding educational resources in the Rubirizi region of Burundi. The immediate response includes medical support for injured students and a need for temporary structures to sustain educational activities. Long-term recovery efforts will require substantial financial and material support to rebuild the school’s infrastructure and prevent future occurrences. The resilience of the educational community and the urgency for external assistance stand out as critical components moving forward.
Original Source: www.umnews.org
